The Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir (LOMVC) delivered a spectacular performance at their 2026 Autumn Concert, guided by guest Musical Director Chris Pethers.
Held at a near-capacity St Augustine’s Church, the afternoon was a masterclass in vocal dynamics, seamlessly bridging theatrical grandeur, timeless pop, and rich choral traditions.
Under the meticulous direction of Chris Pethers, the choir displayed immense vocal control and crisp diction. Pethers shaped the performance beautifully, steering the men effortlessly through sweeping fortissimo moments and tender, quiet passages. Balancing this leadership was the superb pianism of Kay Duell. Her sensitive accompaniment provided the perfect harmonic foundation, remaining robust during the driving rhythmic numbers yet beautifully delicate during the emotional ballads.
First Half: From West End Grandeur to Nostalgic Pop
The concert opened with immense power as the choir tackled the soaring harmonies of Anthem from Chess, immediately setting a high bar for the afternoon. This dramatic start was balanced by the romantic warmth of Some Enchanted Evening and a deeply resonant arrangement of Unchained Melody.
A shift in tone brought Dave Smith to the solo spotlight. Delivering a delightful, nostalgic pairing of Rhythm of the Rain and Buddy Holly’s That’ll Be The Day, his performance injected a vibrant, toe-tapping energy into the church space.
The full choir returned to close the first half by anchoring themselves in traditional roots. The Welsh hymn Gwahoddiad was executed with breathtaking, reverent control, followed by a tender rendition of The Rose. They closed the half with the hauntingly beautiful Crossing The Bar, leaving the audience in quiet awe ahead of the interval.
Second Half: Spirituals, Sea Shanties, and Les Misérables
The choir returned with a lively change of pace, kicking off the second half with the rhythmic, soul-stirring spiritual Wade In the Water, followed by the lyrical folk tones of The Water of Tyne. The energy peaked with a roaring, crowd-pleasing performance of the sea shanty Wellerman, which showcased the choir's rhythmic drive and personality.
The emotional heart of the second half arrived with guest soloist Ralph Faulkes, who delivered a powerhouse theatrical double-feature from Les Misérables. Supported beautifully by Duell at the piano, his renditions of Stars and Bring Him Home were spectacular, brimming with dramatic gravity that held the venue spellbound.
LOMVC then entered the home stretch with the deeply moving African Prayer, followed by an uplifting, soaring arrangement of You Raise Me Up, and the driving, optimistic rhythm of Let The River Run.
A High-Octane Finish
Refusing to let the audience go quiet, Pethers rallied the choir for a sensational encore of Rhythm of Life. The complex, fast-paced piece was executed with flawless diction and infectious enthusiasm, bringing the entire church to its feet for a prolonged applause.